The Dare Boys of 1776

In Short

Stephen Angus Douglas Cox’s 1910 juvenile historical novel follows teenage brothers Dick and Tom Dare alongside their friend Ben Foster as they enlist in the Continental Army. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1776, the story tracks the boys from the signing of the Declaration of Independence through dangerous intelligence operations and the Battle of Long Island. The narrative endures for its brisk pace, spirited dialogue, and earnest idealization of youthful bravery, offering modern readers an engaging window into early twentieth-century historical fiction written for young audiences.

The Story

The narrative begins on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, where excitement grips the crowded streets as citizens await news of the Declaration of Independence. Young New Jersey patriots Dick and Tom Dare clash with local Tory boys, Zeke Boggs and Lem Hicks, who sneer at the rebellion. When the bell rings to announce the adoption of the Declaration, the Dare brothers rush home to their family. Their father, inspired by the news, declares his intent to join the army, but he is soon ambushed and captured in his own yard by a gang of local Tories.

Determined to serve their country and search for their missing father, Dick and Tom decide to enlist in the Continental Army. Joined by their honorable neighbor Ben Foster—whose twin sister Elsie shares a quiet affection with Dick—the three boys face down a midnight assault on the Dare homestead by Tories attempting to whip them. Outsmarting and driving off the attackers, the youths make their way to patriot headquarters, where they secure an audience with General George Washington. Impressed by their resolve, Washington accepts their service and assigns them to Colonel Morgan’s regiment.

Dick is quickly selected for dangerous reconnaissance work behind enemy lines. Sent across the East River to scout British positions on Long Island, he receives guidance from General Israel Putnam. Dick braves night pursuits, evades British sentries, and uses his wits to gather intelligence. When Tom follows his brother to render aid, he is captured by General Percy and sent to a filthy prison-ship anchored in the bay. Dick discovers Tom’s plight, slips aboard the vessel, overpowers the guards, and frees Tom along with a dozen other patriot captives, including intelligence operative Joseph Boswick.

As the British army prepares its campaign against New York, Dick continues his covert operations. He hides in trees to overhear British war plans, outsmarts enemy patrols, and narrowly escapes capture by hiding inside a hollow tree trunk while delivering a vital combat message to General Stirling. Though the British claim victory at the Battle of Long Island and force General Washington to evacuate lower Manhattan, the patriot forces successfully regroup at Harlem Heights. The book concludes with General Washington delivering a stirring speech to his troops, inspiring Dick, Tom, and Ben to pledge their lives to the cause of American liberty.

How It Unfolds

The birth of a nation Dick and Tom Dare wait eagerly in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, until the ringing Liberty Bell confirms the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Returning home, they find their father resolved to join the army, but Tories soon capture him in his own yard.

Defending the homefront Joined by their friend Ben Foster, the brothers prepare for war and successfully fight off a midnight raid on their home by a gang of local Loyalists. They travel to headquarters, where General George Washington accepts their enlistment and assigns them to Colonel Morgan’s regiment.

Into enemy territory Dick undertakes a secret reconnaissance mission across the East River to Long Island under orders from General Israel Putnam. After dodging British patrols in the woods, he lies low while tracking enemy encampments.

Rescue on the prison-ship When Tom follows Dick and gets captured by General Percy, he is sent to a dismal British prison-ship. Dick sneaks aboard, chokes out the guards, and frees Tom and eleven other patriot prisoners.

Espionage and battle Dick hides in heavy foliage and inside a hollow tree trunk to spy on British officers and convey messages to General Stirling during the Battle of Long Island. The patriots retreat across Manhattan to Harlem Heights, where Washington addresses the troops and the boys renew their vow to fight to the end.

The People

• Dick Dare: The elder Dare brother, an eighteen-year-old patriot whose cool demeanor, physical strength, and sharp resourcefulness make him an ideal spy for General Washington.
• Tom Dare: Dick’s sixteen-year-old brother, who is impulsive, quick-tempered, and eager for action; he fearlessly follows Dick into danger and survives imprisonment on a British hulk.
• Ben Foster: The boys' loyal friend and neighbor, who joins the army alongside the Dares despite his father being a king's man.
• Mr. and Mrs. Dare: The boys' devoted parents; Mr. Dare’s capture by Tories drives his sons to enlist, while Mrs. Dare bravely yields her sons to the revolutionary cause.
• Elsie Foster: Ben’s twin sister and Dick’s close friend, who worries deeply for Dick's safety when he leaves for war.
• General George Washington: The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, who personally receives the boys, commends their devotion, and inspires them to fight for liberty.
• General Israel Putnam: The grim, plain-spoken patriot general on Long Island who provides Dick with intelligence and appreciates the youth's dry humor.
• General Percy: A sarcastic British officer who interrogates Tom and orders him sent to the prison-ships.

In Its Own Voice

When news reaches the Dare home that independence has been declared, the family turns immediately to the sacrifices required by war:

"The Declaration of Independence has been adopted, wife," said Mr. Dare, joyously.

Before embarking on his dangerous spy mission behind enemy lines, Dick receives a stern warning from General Israel Putnam regarding the deadly risks of espionage:

"This is very dangerous business you are entering upon, my boy."

After Dick successfully infiltrates a British prison-ship to liberate his brother and fellow patriots, a freed intelligence agent expresses his awe at the youth's daring feat:

"You are a wonder, Dare!" said Boswick, admiration in his tone.

What It's Really About

Beneath its episodic adventure plot, The Dare Boys of 1776 explores the price of political liberty and the transition from boyhood innocence to adult responsibility. The novel emphasizes that the fight for independence required sacrifices from every generation, illustrating how young men were forced to step into the shoes of captured or fallen elders. Through the contrast between honorable Tories like Mr. Foster and violent Loyalist gangs, the story examines neighborly division during civil conflict, framing patriotism as an active choice rooted in bravery, filial duty, and personal integrity.

Why Read It Today

The Dare Boys of 1776 offers a clear, uncomplicated example of early twentieth-century juvenile series fiction. Readers who enjoy classic American adventure stories, historical fiction, or tales of Revolutionary War espionage will appreciate its swift narrative drive and heroic tone. The text moves rapidly through secret missions, midnight escapes, and military maneuvers, maintaining an encouraging and optimistic spirit throughout.

Modern readers should note that the prose reflects the stylistic conventions and melodramatic touches of its 1910 publication date. The dialogue contains mild period representations of dialect—such as Irish soldier phrasing and casual rural slang—and the plot relies on classic adventure tropes like convenient hollow trees and helpless guards. Yet for those seeking an unpretentious, action-filled historical yarn that honors the courage of revolutionary youth, Stephen Angus Douglas Cox’s novel remains a fast, entertaining read.